What's the Difference Between a Double Cab and a Crew Cab?
The great truck debate between a double cab vs. crew cab boils down to how much space you want, how you want it configured, and the brand you choose.
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As the popularity of trucks continues to grow, it is no surprise that there is a degree of confusion in terminology across truck brands. One example is the great debate between a double cab vs. crew cab.
This is a solid debate, but as time has taught over and over again, the terms used to describe the space within a truck mean different things to different brands. What it really boils down to is how much space you want, how you want it configured, and the brand you choose. Here's what to consider.
What are the Different Types of Trucks?
There are two-door and four-door trucks, with varying sizes within those categories. Size-wise, they start at two-door single/regular cab, extended cab, double cab, and top out with variations of the four-door crew cab. Design-wise, they are tailored to the needs and uses of modern-day drivers. These multi-functional cabs are not only for work or play but can be used for an array of options.
Double Cab
The next size up from the regular cab is the double cab. This is what most brands call it—though it's also dubbed "Quad Cab" by Ram Trucks. This cab version is equipped with four front-hinged, traditionally opening doors and two rows of seating.
The double cab often has conservative leg space in the rear of the cabin and storage beneath the rear seating configuration. Typically, it's outfitted with a bench seat, so small adults and children can ride comfortably in this option. Double cab trucks can usually seat four adults more comfortably than extended cab trucks, especially given that exiting the vehicle can be done independently of the front-row passengers.
Crew Cab
The most generously sized option is the crew cab—otherwise known as "SuperCrew" by Ford, "MegaCab" by Ram, or "CrewMax" by Toyota. This is the largest option with four full-sized, outward-opening doors and the most leg space in the rear of the cabin.
It is also the most expensive of the options, as well as probably the most comfortable for adults and children alike. These trucks are often configured to seat five or six full-sized passengers and often have interior rear storage options as well.
Deciding Between the Double Cab and the Crew Cab
As the most common of the truck sizes, buyers are often torn by the double cab vs. crew cab debate. If you're mulling over which option to choose, it can help to ask yourself a few questions. For instance:
Will you regularly have rear passengers?
Are they children or adults?
Will you regularly be carrying large supplies or gear inside?
Is cost a factor?
If you overwhelmingly answered "yes" to the passenger questions, then you may want to consider the crew cab, as the interior cabin space is larger—similar to that of a large SUV—and it's more apt to be outfitted with the creature comforts that most modern truck passengers are accustomed to.
If your answers were "no" to only several of those questions, you might want to consider the double cab as an entry shopping point. There are a variety of models to choose from, and the interior size and associated cost are typically modest across the industry.
The terminology around the space within and configuration of pickup trucks continues to evolve as automakers choose new titles to suit the needs of their newest offers. When shopping for a truck, focus on choosing the option that has the best configuration for you and your needs.
